Solving puzzles

Cao’s squad knows Zang Hai was last to enter Marquis’ house. They want to kill him but Cao wants Gui seal more. He can’t be sure that Zang Hai doesn’t know where it is. The meal with his friends seemed like a goodbye dinner…maybe of the permanent kind. AnTu, to her credit, gave it to him straight. She would forsake her mother forever to run away with him if he would drop the matter. He is in anguish outside her prison door. He so wants to run off with her but chooses to put hope aside and see this path through. She is heartbroken but resigned to his choice. She has made it clear she wants him to live above all else. Zang Hai was ready to deliver his resignation letter to ease the way to leave for Dongxia. Just before it could be delivered, the Queen of Dongxia arrives. Her lipstick is rather distracting. She has a vibe but I can’t place it yet. She is most cunning but it seems neither good or evil…just ready to meet decisively whatever comes at her. She is not the eagle but bird of prey is not a bad analogy. For now I will consider her a lady dragon ready to protect her treasure. She is chained but not down for the count by any means…it is more like biding her time for the long game. She watches and waits. Zang Hai is called to court for an emergency meeting. This has everybody’s attention since session had been cancelled due to Emperor’s illness. This of course was cover story for Cao not being able to attend. He is in critical condition but is singularly focused on Gui seal. He wants all pieces on board til its location is revealed. The Emperor gives a panda vibe. He looks more comfortable in his workshop than in court. The Queen presents a series of gifts and the emperor wants to know what the incredible treasure is that was promised. A miniature house is brought in with a challenge attached. The treasure is inside, but it is a puzzle box to open. She challenges to see if any of their scholars are capable of opening. The head of ministry of works gives it a go. He understands the construction but sees it as a system of locks with no means of unlocking. The Prince suggests Zang Hai. Zang Hai investigates the box and understands the connections between beasts and dots. He sees a specific joint technique particular to his father. He knows he has to open it and he knows his identity is revealed when he does. He chooses to complete the box and present it open to emperor. The roof is lifted off to reveal a jade fetus.This is supposed to be buried in an auspicious location to ensure longevity of rule. Zang Hai is given the job to find a location. The Queen offers him a ride to chat and she shows him some of her cards. She knows her daughter likes him. She has figured out who he is. And she knows he has her daughter. She gives him the first real clue about his father’s death and he is given the option to bring her daughter to her or share his fate. She has already dispatched the yong members guarding coach and he is a lone man amidst amazons. She is quietly just as impressive as Marquis. Can’t wait to see what next episode reveals.

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